Community Forums

tkcas01 · 01-19-2014, 12:47 PM

I've seen some good posts on here about replacing the Norcold 1200 with the Samsung 197 french door unit. My 1200 belched ammonia this weekend, so time for an upgrade.

Thing is, like many others there is a furnace under the fridge. I measured and from the ceiling to the top of the furnace is 68.5". To complicate, there is a fluorescent light in the ceiling the doors must clear (about 1/2"). So, I believe the Samsung is out of the question, even with the wheels off.

I see the Fisher & Paykel is 67.5" total. Anyone know if the wheels can come off that unit to make it a bit shorter?

Further, would it be feasible to create a new subfloor for the fridge "around" the furnace in such a way that the top of the furnace is flush with or even a bit higher than the surrounding subfloor?

What I am wondering is if there is additional clearance underneath the center of the fridge, assuming the wheels/feet are along the outer edges? If so, the fridge "feet" could actually be a bit below the top of the furnace. Still, not sure you'd want the furnace and fridge that close together... Thoughts?

Lee0920 · 01-19-2014, 02:24 PM

Looks like you could gain a few inches by dropping that floor down on top of the furnace, doesn't look strong enough to hold up a full blown refrig.

jimbo2013 · 01-19-2014, 02:28 PM

drop in a 5/8 ply floor put insulation board under it.

CJScepter · 01-19-2014, 04:13 PM

I have a (HR) DST model also, be sure to check the clearance around the furnace, it needs clearance for the return air. I am having trouble with that furnace cycling, I have replaced the limit switch, control board, and checked other things, if I leave the outside door open it doesn't cycle,,, so I think it needs more incoming air. There are clearance spec's in the manual. It does appear from your pic, you may have more clearance above, not sure. The furnace gets it's return air from the top and side of the furnace box. I plan to cut some more louvers in box, hope it will fix mine.
Good luck,
John G.

tkcas01 · 01-19-2014, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJScepter

I have a (HR) DST model also, be sure to check the clearance around the furnace, it needs clearance for the return air. I am having trouble with that furnace cycling, I have replaced the limit switch, control board, and checked other things, if I leave the outside door open it doesn't cycle,,, so I think it needs more incoming air. There are clearance spec's in the manual. It does appear from your pic, you may have more clearance above, not sure. The furnace gets it's return air from the top and side of the furnace box. I plan to cut some more louvers in box, hope it will fix mine.
Good luck,
John G.

Are you saying you've always had this issue with the furnace or did you modify the cabinet for a new fridge? Yes there is currently 3" between the top of the furnace and the bottom of the fridge subfloor, but for a residential fridge to fit this space will be needed.

Thanks for the tip to be conscious of return air.

Cfnocn · 01-19-2014, 06:48 PM

Diplomat Don has a great explanation on how to install the Samsung.search his post to find

tkcas01 · 01-19-2014, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cfnocn

Diplomat Don has a great explanation on how to install the Samsung.search his post to find

Yep, that was one of the "good posts" I was referring to, found here:

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f115/sams...er-159692.html

Unfortunately for me, as he says the Samsung needs just under 70" between the top of the furnace and the ceiling. As I stated, I have just 68.5" so the Samsung will not work for me.

Thanks to others on here I am looking at the Fisher & Paykel 17 cu. ft. It is only 67.5" overall, so I have an inch to spare. I need a half inch off the ceiling for the doors to clear a ceiling light. That leaves just another half inch off the top of the furnace. TIGHT!

I have found nothing else in a decent size fridge that has a chance of fitting within these tolerances and would be better not to have a half-inch of material taking up space between the fridge and furnace.

DtBt · 01-20-2014, 05:08 AM

I put a RF197 in my 99 Windsor with Suburban furnace underneath. I replaced the fluorescent fixture over the frig with a same sized Okume 4mm finished plywood with two flush mounted halogen flush spots. LED's would be better. This will gain you about 3/4". That was enough if I lowered the shelf to almost on top of furnace, removed the front wheels. To install the frig doors I had to pull frig forward and tilt the frig to get enough access to the top to put the screws in.

JIMDI-VA · 01-20-2014, 10:23 AM

I just replaced the nocold with a Fridgidaire 16.5 over under system go through the side window in and out had to move flouresent light over 3 winched to clear freezer dor. also took top trim out removed leveler legs and retracted wheels. floor of furnace holds the regridge ok ice maker works great space is unbelieveable and the inverter works for up to 5 hours before generator kicks in. life is good without that pos nocold

Jim & Diane

adonh · 01-20-2014, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JIMDI-VA

I just replaced the nocold with a Fridgidaire 16.5 over under system go through the side window in and out had to move flouresent light over 3 winched to clear freezer dor. also took top trim out removed leveler legs and retracted wheels. floor of furnace holds the regridge ok ice maker works great space is unbelieveable and the inverter works for up to 5 hours before generator kicks in. life is good without that pos nocold

Jim & Diane

What is the model # on the Frigidaire 16.5 over under system.

CJScepter · 01-20-2014, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkcas01

Are you saying you've always had this issue with the furnace or did you modify the cabinet for a new fridge? Yes there is currently 3" between the top of the furnace and the bottom of the fridge subfloor, but for a residential fridge to fit this space will be needed.

Thanks for the tip to be conscious of return air.

I looked at clearance on my furnace, I have about 2 1/4 " above blower area. Your furnace may be alittle different, mine is an Atwood 8525-IV-DCLP, from your pic the intake area looks to different. Maybe they changed things, my coach was built in October 2002. I still have the original Norcold unit.
John G

JIMDI-VA · 01-21-2014, 06:30 AM

Frigidaire model FFTR1715LW

bgholson · 01-21-2014, 07:37 AM

I recently replaced my Norcold 1200 with a 15 cu in fridge. Almost any brand of this size will fit in the opening without modifications. I also had the furnace under the fridge. Got mine delivered from Sears but can't remember the brand. Had lots of choices

racer478r · 01-21-2014, 06:03 PM

I replaced my old 1200 with a Fisher & Paykel . Had to lower floor closer to the furnace and have had no problems in 3 yrs. also, went thru the front door on my 2000 Dip.